DEMOGRAPHY
ESTIMATED RESIDENT POPULATIONThe preliminary estimated resident population (ERP) for South Australia was 1,558,200 at 30 September 2006, an increase of 13,400 persons (0.9%) since 30 September 2005. This increase was slightly higher than that recorded for the 12 months ended 30 September 2005 (0.7%).

All states and territories recorded population growth over the 12 months ended 30 September 2006. Western Australia recorded the largest growth rate (2.0%) and Tasmania recorded the lowest growth rate (0.6%).

For the 12 months ending 30 September 2006, South Australia recorded a natural increase (i.e. net of births and deaths) of 6,160 persons. Net overseas migration provided a gain of 9,860 persons in the same period while net interstate migration realised a loss of 2,654 persons.

In the September 2006 quarter South Australia recorded net natural increase of 1,500 persons and a gain in net overseas migration of 2,626 persons. For every quarter since September 1986, with the exception of June 1993 (-217 persons) and June 1994 (-5), there has been a net overseas migration gain in South Australia's ERP. Net interstate migration in the September 2006 quarter resulted in a loss of 552 persons. Since September 1986, South Australia has only shown a net increase in population from interstate migration in 11 out of the 80 quarters, and 10 of these quarters occurred before March 1992.

Nationally, the preliminary estimated resident population (ERP) was 20,674,400 at 30 September 2006, an increase of 269,600 persons (1.3%) since 30 September 2005. The population growth rate for the year ended 30 September 2006 (1.3%) was about the same as that recorded for the year ended 30 September 2005 (1.3%). For the year ended 30 September 2006, Australia recorded a natural increase in population of 131,821 persons; net overseas migration resulted in a gain of 137,743 people.

In the September 2006 quarter Australia's population recorded a natural increase of 31,600 persons. The net overseas migration for Australia resulted in a gain of 37,350 persons.